With hopeful candidates now well into campaign mode, the calling card of elections is upon us with a mass of candidate signs on every corner.

The Times-Herald have received requests to find out what is, and is not allowed when it comes to displaying election signs.

Moose Jaw City Clerk/Solicitor Myron Gulka-Tiechko was able to shed light towards the do’s and don’ts of displaying candidate signs.

“Anything is allowed on private property,” Tiechko told the Times-Herald. “City land does not allow signs on bridges, park benches, but candidates are allowed to use utility poles.”

Tiechko went on to explain you cannot use parking meters or traffic poles; and stressed the main concern from the city is making sure signs do not distract drivers or could be viewed as a public hazard.

“Don’t impede safety, especially at intersections,” Tiechko offered. “Signs can be placed on boulevards adjacent to city streets, but cannot be placed on meridians separating two lanes of traffic.” he said signs should not be placed on the driver’s side of the road, since it causes a major distraction.

Tiechko said they should be placed 100 meters apart to avoid cluttering and the deadline for candidates to take down the signs is seven days after the election.

“If a candidate places a sign near your property and you’re not comfortable with it, you should explain the situation to the candidate,” Tiechko offered on being associated out of sign placement. “If the candidate knows you’re upset, that doesn’t garner votes, it deters them.”

City council candidate Jeff Nelson spent just over $2000 on his 80 signs and posted them himself with a friend. “I went where ever I saw other candidates signs and chose proper locations I knew would catch the eye of the public.”

Nelson said, “I’ll just keep my signs if I’m not successful this year, and will just try again.”

Mayoral candidate Deb Higgins had around 300 signs made and prefers to have them placed on private property. “Visibility is a big issue, but you have to keep the city requirements in mind.”

Higgins said volunteers helped in distribution of the signs, and will help in taking them down after the election; those that are damaged will be recycled.